Lee Carsley could still be permanent England boss despite defeat against Greece

Lee Carsley remains a contender for the permanent England job despite the embarrassing loss to Greece.

Mail Sport understands Carsley has not completely blown his chances of being handed the job on a permanent basis, though there is acknowledgement that the loss to Greece - ranked 48th by FIFA - has applied pressure onto the coach.

The Football Association are two months into the process of appointing Gareth Southgate's long-term success having made Carsley interim head coach for the entirety of their six-match Nations League campaign.

His ultra-attacking team selection which unquestionably caused major defensive issues in the loss to Greece has raised doubts over Carsley's suitability for the position.

And while the loss has not helped the 50-year-old's chances of landing the top job, the possibility of promoting Carsley from his previous job as Under-21 head coach remains a genuine option for the FA.

The governing body will assess Carsley's performance after the clash against Ireland on November 17, when a decision is likely to be made on whether he remain in the process.

The FA have sounded out external candidates, with Pep Guardiola, Eddie Howe and Graham Potter among the names on the organisation's shortlist.

It is understood formal interviews for the vacancy are yet to take place, but external candidates towards the top of the shortlist are aware of the FA's interest.

Guardiola is viewed by many within the FA as a dream candidate. But the Manchester City manager, whose contract expires at the end of the season, earns in the region of £20million at the Etihad Stadium, a sum far beyond the FA's budget.

But there is a view that the project of revamping the England national team could appeal to Guardiola provided he is given the level of control he would need to make the job attractive to him.

Howe, privately, is open to taking the England job but remains happy with his role at Newcastle. Whether the FA are willing to enter into negotiations with Newcastle over releasing him from his contract is unclear. Potter is currently out of work and could be appointed with minimal fuss.

Chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott, who has become a highly visible presence around the England recently, have been tasked with overseeing the process.

Meanwhile, Carsley is ready to make a number of changes to the forward-thinking side that started the loss to Greece.

Bukayo Saka could miss the game with a suspected hamstring injury, while Marc Guehi, who missed the game against the Greeks could return to the starting XI.

Harry Kane, who missed the Wembley loss through injury, could also return.

'We are going to assess him, he is training tomorrow (Friday) with us,' Carsely said of his captain. He has scored a lot of goals. I've done three games and he has scored two goals, so he is a massive part of what we do.'